I’m writing to let you know a parent in the school has been tested – but not yet diagnosed – for coronavirus (COVID-19). The family was not in school today. While we await the results, and out of an excess of caution and concern for public health, we are closing school on Tuesday, March 10. 

 
We will notify the school community as soon as we have any updated information, or by 6pm Tuesday. We know this is a very difficult situation for all families but trust that you will understand we are taking every precaution to ensure we do not put people at unnecessary risk. 

 
In the past few hours I have reached out to the State and County Health Departments, and I've had several direct conversations with Dr. Fredrick Echols, the Director of Health for the City of St. Louis. We will continue to follow their guidance with additional procedures that need to be taken if the test is positive. We will continue to monitor and implement best practices for schools to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

New City is a polling place and is scheduled to host voting tomorrow. Voting will occur in the dining hall, which has been isolated from the rest of the school. As I mentioned in my email earlier today, the dining hall will then be thoroughly cleaned.
 

Sincerely,
Alexis
Head of School